Just to add that contracts made without consideration must be made under seal and specific contracts involving companies (any conveyance, any granting of a power of attorney and issuing co. share certs.) must have their seal impressed on the document.

Tom is right on the statute of limitations re right of action on a contract executed by hand or seal.

Another document which is required to be executed under seal is a guarantee (or is it an indemnity - can't remember). I'm referring to individuals here, not companies.

The thing is, I'd say of maybe 50% of the guarantees I've ever seen, no seal is actually affixed or in some cases, became detached. Given that a lot of guarantees are being called in these days, I wonder what the ramifications are.

I may well be taking up a new job where I'm likely to see a lot of this, so I'm even more curious now. Anyone aware of any recent case law on the matter?